Broadclyst

Just to the north of the village and set within the fertile lands between the Rivers Clyst and Culm, lies the large estate of Killerton (National Trust) centred around the grand 18th-century mansion house that was the home of the Acland family. Furnished as a comfortable family home, the house contains a renowned costume collection and a Victorian laundry. While the house provides some interest, it is the marvellous grounds laid out by John Veitch in the 1770s that make a visit here special. Veitch introduced many rare trees to the arboretum along with rhododendrons, magnolias and herbaceous borders, and in the parkland are several interesting structures, including a 19th-century chapel and the Dolbury Iron Age hill fort. Here, too, can be found Marker’s Cottage, dating from the 15th century and containing 16th-century paintings, and Forest Cottage, originally a gamekeeper’s cottage. Circular walks around the grounds and estate provide ample opportunity to discover the wealth of plant, animal and birdlife that thrives in this, the largest estate owned by the National Trust.